So This Happened…Week of Sept. 11 through 17, 2023
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Sept. 17, 2023) — A pair of giraffes, plus a giant dahlia and poppy are part of a new public art sculpture exhibition in Concord. The project also includes large-size artworks in several spots around town and two poetry events. “One of the things they want to do is bring all sorts of artforms together,” said Jose Cordon, Antioch’s poet laureate. (Read the complete story.)
CBCA reviewing new city fees: The Clayton Community & Business Association (CBCA) is still analyzing how the city’s increased fees will affect popular events like Art & Wine, Oktoberfest and the summer BBQ. “I had a conversation with the mayor on the 30th and we’re going to have ongoing conversations now as to what the fees entail and, in other words, what we get from those fees, what is not included, what would be added costs and what we need to do,” CBCA president CW Wolfe told the Pioneer. (Read the complete story.)
Flag football on the rise: Diablo Athletic League commissioner Mark Tran expects girls flag football to “blow up” in popularity, with 10 local schools taking part in the first season. Meanwhile, local boys football continues to draw big crowds. Check out our review of the first three weeks. In other sports news, Clayton’s Kara Kohler qualifies for the Paris Olympics and a new Pioneer Spotlight on Manuel Serna of Clayton Valley. Plus, Terrapin swimmers compete at Summer Jr. Nationals.
More stories
Here are some other stories the Pioneer covered recently:
In police news: CHP arrests Contra Costa man suspected in June freeway shooting, and Contra Costa DA files complaint against Diablo Valley College faculty member.
In Concord: Buchanan event spotlights sky-high opportunities for girls. plus road projects will smooth the way through town.
In Clayton: City’s green plan includes charging stations and solar upgrades. Saucedo takes pride in serving the community. and stock up on books at Clayton Library sale.
In the schools: Clayton Valley Charter governing board looks to fill four vacancies.
Special events: Wandering Wine and Whiskers to benefit ARF Sept. 23. plus Pleasant Hill’s summer concert series ends Sept. 21 with Foreverland.
Local entertainment: Hats off to “Crowns” by Center Rep, while young musicians and young crowds – search for a home.
Welcome fall with heirloom apple varieties at Concord Farmers Market.
Red Cross facing national blood shortage.
Develop a plan before taking a friendship break.
Read past installments of “So This Happened…”: Click here.
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Bev Britton
Bev Britton graduated with a degree in journalism from the University of North Dakota and moved to the Bay Area with her soon-to-be husband Jim in 1986. She was features editor at the Contra Costa Times in Walnut Creek before becoming managing editor of the Contra Costa Sun in Lafayette in 1995. She retired from newsrooms in 2001, but an ad for the Clayton Pioneer drew her back in. The family moved to Lake Wildwood in the Gold Country a few years ago - but working at the Pioneer keeps her in touch with her old neighborhoods in Concord and Clayton.